2004 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 131 kg more than 2004 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
